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Updated Second Round Schedule

The opening game of the Western Conference semifinal between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzles will begin at noon Sunday inside Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Game 2 will be played Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the NBA announced today.

The teams will then have three days off between Games 2 and 3 as the series shifts to Memphis and resumes with a 4 p.m. tip on Saturday, May 11.

It’s unclear exactly why the NBA scheduled a three-day break between Games 2 and 3, but it ends up being a blessing in disguise of sorts for the Thunder.

The hiatus allows the Thunder additional time to not only rest and recover from what is expected to be an extremely physical series, but also to continue adjusting and adapting to life without All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook.

In its fourth game without Westbrook on Friday night, Oklahoma City showed significant signs of growth in its series-clinching 103-94 over Houston in Game 6. Six Thunder players scored in double figures, and the team’s defense was as good as it had been all series.

Information on the date and start time for Game 4, as well as Games 5, 6 and 7 if needed, have yet to be announced. A complete schedule is likely to be announced following Saturday night’s Game 7 between Chicago and Brooklyn.

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Darnell Mayberry grew up in Langston, Okla. and is now in his third stint in the Sooner state. After a year and a half at Bishop McGuinness High, he finished his prep years in Falls Church, Va., before graduating from Norfolk State University in...